Lions' Brian Branch on the cusp of greatness in way too early All-Pro predictions
The Detroit Lions might not be getting the best work from their cornerback room to begin the season, but they've witnessed one shining star in their secondary through the first four weeks of action: Brian Branch. The second year safety is off to a roaring start in 2025, and he's getting the recognition he deserves for that effort by PFF.
The football analytics site shared a way too early All-Pro list as we're hitting the quarter mark of the season, and writer Gordon McGuinness has Branch marked as the runner up to making the First Team at safety behind Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Branch has racked up one forced fumble, five passes defended, and 18 solo tackles on the year. There have been numerous interception opportunities for Branch, so it's just a matter of time until he records his first of the season with the way he's been flying around the field.
But, the fact that he's getting Second Team recognition this soon in the year shows his impact on the Lions' defense beyond their formidable defensive line, and signals that he could be in line for the first All-Pro honor of his young career.
Branch on the cusp of greatness with Lions in 2025
Branch currently ranks 11th out of all safeties on PFF in overall grade (79.9). He's second amongst that group in pass breakups with four total so far, and first amongst safeties in sacks recorded. When watching Branch on the field, you're immediately struck by his ability to find where the action is on the field and make that action pay for crossing his path.
The fines and excessiveness in his play are things he still needs to work through, which is something he's aware of. But, as he matures on and off the field, it's becoming evident that he's growing into a leader for a Lions defense that's quickly become one of the more formidable in the league.
Detroit has held opponents to under 300 yards on offense per game through four weeks, and they're likely to get even better with players like Alim McNeill, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed on the mend. Branch will remain one of the strongholds in their secondary, health being a key to that success. If he's in the same conversation as someone like Winfield, then he's well on his way towards becoming a well-paid Lions safety, as well.
Steelers' Defense Absolutely Must Fix This Glaring Issue Before Bye Week Ends
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had some glaring communication issues to end the 2024 season. The problems were so severe that the team went on a major losing streak and had to make sweeping changes after the season in an effort to fix what went wrong. Coming into the year, the defense was expected to be one of the league’s best units, but through four games, it hasn’t fully lived up to those expectations.
Through the early part of the 2025 season, the same issues have lingered. Misreads, blown assignments, and general confusion on the field have shown that the defense is still not operating as a cohesive unit. What should have been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ identity has instead been a source of frustration for both coaches and fans alike.
Heading into the bye week, the Steelers are focused on addressing these issues. Analysts and former players alike have pointed to the ongoing communication problems as the biggest hurdle for the defense, highlighting that getting everyone on the same page will be critical if Pittsburgh hopes to turn things around in the second half of the season. Chris Hoke went on 93.7 The Fan on Friday to share his honest thoughts about this Steelers defense.
"There should be no communication issues," Hoke said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "Everybody should be on the same page. It's happening far too often, where the Steelers' defense, not everybody is on the same page."
For Steelers fans, hearing this critique will likely bring back major PTSD from how the 2024 season ended. Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott were among the most vocal players, pointing out that certain teammates were out of position and not doing their jobs.
Now, Hoke has revealed that the Steelers still have major communication issues. He believes these problems must be fixed during the bye week if the defense hopes to improve.
"They're not running the same defense," Hoke said. "If there's one thing that the Steelers need to work on this bye week, it's communication. It's everybody getting on the same page. Everybody running the same defense. It's happening too much."
The defensive communication issues may partly stem from a few new faces still trying to find their rhythm within the unit, but after four games, it’s clear that the Steelers need this defense to operate more cohesively. Mistimed assignments, misreads, and lapses in coverage have continued to pop up, highlighting that the unit isn’t yet functioning as a synchronized group.
Steelers fans will be hoping that the team can use the bye week to address these problems, tighten communication, and get everyone on the same page before the second half of the season begins.
Steelers Have Too Much Talent On Defense To Be This Leaky
Through four games, the defensive unit has given up an average of 404.8 yards per game, a number that doesn’t reflect the star power on the roster.
With superstars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and several other key players, this defense should be a dominant force. Instead, the Steelers have struggled to contain opponents, and Hoke believes fixing these problems starts with addressing the communication issues that have plagued the unit. All eyes turn to Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to see if he can fix the problem he hasn't been able to solve for many seasons now.
Can the Steelers' defense finally get on the same page, or will this be a recurring problem all 2025 season long? Why or why not?
